Alan’s TTIM Stories #9

When I think about celebrating America, I picture marching bands, community displays on flatbed trucks, chairs along the route, thousands of observers, and an abundance of music. The annual Catonsville Fourth of July Parade travels east on Frederick Road. It passes what I consider the positive Story of America. In the 700 block is Bill’s Music House.

Bill Higgins started a guitar repair shop in a cramped basement space almost 60 years ago. The business grew into a storefront on the north side of Catonsville’s main street, then to a bigger building on the south side of the street. From that humble beginning the establishment has recently been named the best music store – anywhere.

I’ve watched new customers with wide eyes and jaws dropped as they enter a musical wonderland not available elsewhere. The diversity of musical instruments, music books, sound equipment, and accessories is matched by the diversity of customers, clients, and students. Currently in my basement are two conga drums, two bongo drums, numerous music books, drum sticks, maracas, and a refurbished cornet – all from Bill’s Music House.

Bill Higgins was an entrepreneur, visionary, musician, and activist. Another quality cannot be overlooked – a big heart. Every year at The Children’s Home Community Walk, a large stage with a “Bill’s Music” sign is delivered for the focal point of the event – without charge. He supported Frederick Road Fridays concerts and Lurman Woodland Concert Series. Thanks to Bill a donated violin reached the hands of a child in the foster care system. He created a guitar display for the Greater Catonsville Chamber of Commerce to acknowledge the Chamber’s role in the Music City Maryland designation. Bill loaned me a drum set so I could accompany Nick The Piano Man at local events. These are only the examples of which I have personal knowledge.

2022 marked the 20^th Anniversary of Catonsville’s designation of Music City Maryland. Bill asked me to come out of retirement to help with the celebration. No hesitation – of course. What a joy to work with Bill and his family – Nancy,  Jamie, Tracy, and Brian. Instrumental (pun intended) in the Music City designation, Bill was a wizard of promotion. He was determined for everyone in the community to benefit from the community’s musical  identity. Stop, Shop, & Rock in Catonsville

The designation has been a catalyst for the proliferation of local music activity – Baltimore County opened opportunities for live musical performances, the State declared Catonsville as an Arts & Entertainment District, and a new industry was created – the Music City Maryland Association.

I miss walking into the store to be greeted by Bill – always with a big smile, always happy to see you. Bill’s legacy will last with good memories as a partner, mentor, and good friend. I am forever grateful.

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Follow Alan’s TTIM Stories at Facebook.com/alan.vandervoort or Instagram & Treads vandervoort_author or www.alanvandervoort.com. Novels: Sandhills – A Novel and Key Largo Summer are found at Booklocker.com and other online booksellers.